New Scottish parliament campaign to drop oath to Queen

The new Scottish parliament - elected today - will be petitioned to introduce a new oath of allegiance for MSPs.

Campaign group Republic has launched a new campaign to call for MSPs to pledge allegiance to the people of Scotland, rather than the Queen.

A petition has been set up, calling on the parliament to:

"Establish a new oath of allegiance for Members of the Scottish Parliament, one that pledges allegiance to the people of Scotland, not to the Queen."

Graham Smith, Republic's CEO, said today:

"When we witness democracy in action, voters across Scotland and the rest of the UK freely choosing their representatives, it is galling to think we still pledge allegiance to a monarch."

"The people of Scotland elect their MSPs, so it should be to the people of Scotland that members owe their allegiance."

"This isn't just symbolic, it affects the political culture in Edinburgh and London. As MSPs prepare to take their oath it's time to talk about why they should pledge their allegiance to the people, not to the Queen."

"We need to instil a truly democratic culture in our parliaments and assemblies. At the moment the oath taken by MSPs makes no mention of Scotland or the voters at all."

"We know Westminster will need to agree any change, but the Scottish parliament can take a lead on this issue. That's why we're asking people to sign the petition and demand a change of oath."